VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Bordallo proposal to 'rob Peter to pay Paul'

With reference to the PDN article (Jan. 6), "War claims funding questioned," it seems to me that our dear Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo is telling the people of Guam that the only way the war claims are to be funded would be to "rob Peter to pay Paul."

Section 30 funds from the federal government are payments (for income tax from military serving in Guam). In other words, our delegate is saying if we want the war claims to be paid, the people of Guam should pay it!

She tried the federal way!

JOE T. SAN AGUSTIN

Dededo

Compare GovGuam, private-sector benefits

I don't know that the average private sector taxpayer, especially minimum wage, understands that every dollar in spending by a government comes from taxpayers.

Thank you PDN for the Dec. 24 news item about the 20 people getting $1.2 million in compensation. "Twenty local government employees received $1.2 million combined in compensation over the last three fiscal years on top of their regular paychecks, an audit report shows."

As one of your readers, I would like to suggest that you publish some information for the average taxpayer.

I was taught that government employees were public servants; (their) primary objective (is) to serve the public. Private-sector employees do get some fringe benefits, as I did (health care partially paid by my employer). I'm sure government employees do, too.

Could we see a list of a few government of Guam workers showing each and every payment made to their account? It is, after all, taxpayer money. Of course theirs will be the net salary (after taxes) but many of us may not know how much additional taxpayer money is paid to the health insurance provider by GovGuam.

Taxpayers might be surprised to see the basic paycheck, fringe benefits and other kinds of benefits that many government employees receive. As an example, from the Heritage Foundation I learned that (federal) government workers get $32,000 in benefits beyond their salary, whereas the private employee gets an average of $9,800.

A side-by-side comparison would be very educational; private vs. GovGuam; comparable salaries/job types.

Does a private employee get a lump-sum sick leave payout? To me, sick pay is a great benefit, but only if you need it. If you don't need it and don't use it, nothing should be paid out.

PAUL TOBIASON

Chalan Pago

Miseries are coming upon us; weep, howl

Though you all know and are established in the present truth. Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you all to be in a good conduct.

Come now, you all rich, weep and howl, for our miseries that are coming upon us are corrupted.

For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you all always of these things.